Just Stop Already!

Am I catching you at a bad time? Are you too busy, running around hectically? Is your constant refrain, “I’m too busy!!!”? I’ll be you might even catch yourself holding your breath without knowing it! Chances are that’s not how you describe yourself when you’re BIG. I’d like to offer you a moment to recover to your BIG resourceful state right now!

Stop already.

I’m talking about EVERYTHING. Just stop. Not for long. Take two minutes in the middle of your day. Set a timer, so you don’t have to worry about keeping track of the time. 120 seconds. Unplugged. No music. Don’t work out. Don’t even read an All-Star email! Just breathe. Focus on the air flowing in and out of your lungs. Acknowledge any thoughts that come to mind, but do your best to let them go and return to focusing on your breathing.

I’m not trying to turn you into a yogi or some monk that should be sitting cross-legged at the base of a majestic waterfall. I’m just saying stop. Clear your mind. Release the stress, if only for a moment. Even the CEO of Aetna, Mark Bertolini, is betting that bringing yoga and meditation to his employees will be good for business.1 If you’re struggling to stay focused, download the app “Breathing Zone” and use it to guide you through your meditation.